Rob Reiner’s son, Nick Reiner, appeared in court Wednesday, but did not enter a plea on the two counts of first‑degree murder that charge him with killing his parents. The charges stem from the discovery of their bodies in their Brentwood home.
Reiner’s attorney, Alan Jackson, told the court it was “too early” to enter a guilty or not guilty plea and agreed to delay the arraignment until Jan. 7, 2026. The delay was set for over a year, until the new year of 2026.
Nick Reiner appeared from behind the glass wall of a custody area in shackles and wearing a jail suicide prevention smock. During the short hearing, he only said “yes, your honor” when asked by Judge Theresa McGonigle if he understood he has the right to a speedy trial.
Jackson told reporters outside the courthouse that there were “very complex and serious issues” associated with the case that needed time to be carefully examined. Jackson also warned that the case involved intricate details that required careful examination.
\”We ask that during this process, you allow the system to move forward in the way that it was designed, to move forward, not with the rush to judgment, not with jumping to conclusions, but with restraint and with dignity and with the respect that this system and this process deserves and that the family deserves,\” Jackson added. He called for restraint, dignity, and respect for both the legal process and the grieving family.
Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested Monday on suspicion of murder in the killings of Rob, 78, and Michele Reiner, 68, whose bodies were found Sunday inside their home in Los Angeles’ Brentwood community. The investigation began after the bodies were found Sunday morning.
He was charged Tuesday with first‑degree murder, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced at a news conference with LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell. Hochman emphasized the seriousness of the loss.
\”Their loss is beyond tragic and we will commit ourselves to bringing their murderer to justice,\” Hochman said. He emphasized the seriousness of the loss.
Along with the two counts of first‑degree murder, prosecutors include a special circumstances allegation of multiple murders and an additional allegation that Reiner used a knife in the killings, which took place sometime early Sunday morning, authorities said. The knife allegation points to the use of a bladed weapon in the killings.
Nick Reiner was arrested hours later in Exposition Park, south of downtown LA and about 15 miles southeast of Brentwood. The arrest took place about 15 miles southeast of the Brentwood neighborhood.
Special circumstances elevate a murder charge to a more severe level. The charges carry the potential for a possible death sentence, if prosecutors pursue capital punishment. That decision will be made later, Hochman said. The potential death sentence hinges on whether prosecutors decide to pursue capital punishment.
Details about a possible motive for the killings were not immediately known. No motive has yet been disclosed.
A source close to Reiner confirmed to NBC News that Reiner and his wife had apparent stab wounds. The medical examiner has yet to release official cause‑of‑death details.
Nick Reiner’s parents were upset and embarrassed about his behavior at Conan O’Brien’s party and expressed worries about their son’s health just hours before they were found dead. The party incident was reported by NBC4 News.
Nick Reiner was the second of the couple’s three children. Jake Reiner, 34, and Romy Reiner, 28, released a joint statement Wednesday \”on the devastating loss of our parents\” and asked for privacy while their grieve. The siblings requested privacy during their grieving process.
\”Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day. The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience. They weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends. We are grateful for the outpouring of condolences, kindness, and support we have received not only from family and friends but people from all walks of life. We now ask for respect and privacy, for speculation to be tempered with compassion and humanity, and for our parents to be remembered for the incredible lives they lived and the love they gave.\” The statement highlighted the deep personal loss and gratitude for support.
The deaths of Rob Reiner, a celebrated director whose long list of successful films included “When Harry Met Sally…,” “A Few Good Men” and “This Is Spinal Tap,” and Michele Reiner, a talent photographer and producer, stunned the Hollywood community and led to an outpouring of tributes from entertainment industry colleagues, political figures and more. Reiner’s filmography includes notable works such as “When Harry Met Sally…”.
The family’s challenges Nick were well‑documented, including battles with drug addiction. The family’s documented struggles with addiction added context to the tragedy.
In 2015, Rob and Nick Reiner worked on a coming‑of‑age film together called “Being Charlie.” The film was a collaboration between father and son.
In a 2016 interview with the Associated Press, they talked about the film. Rob Reiner told the AP, \”It forced us to understand ourselves better than we had,\” and added, \”I told Nick while we were making it, I said, ‘You know it doesn’t matter, whatever happens to this thing, we won already. This has already been good.’ We’ve worked through a lot of stuff.\” Rob Reiner reflected on the film’s impact on their relationship.
In September, the family appeared together at the Los Angeles premiere of “Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues.” The premiere drew attention to the family’s continued public presence.
Nick Reiner has spoken publicly over the years about his struggles with drug addiction, which began in his teens. Reiner has been candid about his addiction history.
\”I spent nights on the street. I spent weeks on the street. It was not fun,\” Nick Reiner told People, adding that, \”If I wanted to do it my way and not go to the programs they were suggesting, then I had to be homeless.\” He emphasized the hardships of homelessness during his recovery.
With the court case still unfolding and the community mourning, the case remains a stark reminder of the personal battles that can underlie even the most public lives. The investigation and mourning continue as the legal process unfolds.
Key Takeaways
- Nick Reiner, charged with first‑degree murder of his parents, appeared in court without entering a plea.
- Attorneys delayed the arraignment to Jan. 7, 2026, citing complex issues.
- Prosecutors added special circumstances and knife use allegations, opening the possibility of a death sentence.
Closing
The case continues to unfold as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner, while the family and Hollywood community navigate their grief.
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